Galería Güemes, Buenos Aires

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Dancers performing at Piazzolla Tango Show in Buenos Aires.
Dancers performing at Piazzolla Tango Show in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Audience enjoying Piazzolla Tango Show with performers on stage in Buenos Aires.
Singer performing at Piazzolla Tango Show in Buenos Aires with Argentine flag backdrop.
Guests dining at Piazzolla Tango Show venue with ornate ceiling and stage in Buenos Aires.
Dancers performing at Piazzolla Tango Show in Buenos Aires with live musicians.
Elegant theater setup for Piazzolla Tango Show in Buenos Aires, featuring stage and dining tables.
Dancers performing at Piazzolla Tango Show in Buenos Aires.
Dancers performing at Piazzolla Tango Show in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Audience enjoying Piazzolla Tango Show with performers on stage in Buenos Aires.
Singer performing at Piazzolla Tango Show in Buenos Aires with Argentine flag backdrop.
Guests dining at Piazzolla Tango Show venue with ornate ceiling and stage in Buenos Aires.
Dancers performing at Piazzolla Tango Show in Buenos Aires with live musicians.
Elegant theater setup for Piazzolla Tango Show in Buenos Aires, featuring stage and dining tables.
Dancers performing at Piazzolla Tango Show in Buenos Aires.
Dancers performing at Piazzolla Tango Show in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Audience enjoying Piazzolla Tango Show with performers on stage in Buenos Aires.
Singer performing at Piazzolla Tango Show in Buenos Aires with Argentine flag backdrop.
Guests dining at Piazzolla Tango Show venue with ornate ceiling and stage in Buenos Aires.
Dancers performing at Piazzolla Tango Show in Buenos Aires with live musicians.
Elegant theater setup for Piazzolla Tango Show in Buenos Aires, featuring stage and dining tables.

Piazzolla Tango Show

from
ARS 85,028
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change

1 hr 15 min - 3 hr
Transfers included
Meals included

Tango meets elegance in a grand 1915 Art Nouveau theater dedicated to Piazzolla’s legacy.

  • Catch one of Buenos Aires’ best tango dinner shows, featuring iconic pieces by Astor Piazzolla and Argentine greats, under the direction of Dolores de Amo.
  • The show is an elegant blend of live vocals, dramatic choreography, and Piazzolla’s famed sextet performing Las Cuatro Estaciones del Tango (Four Seasons of Tango).
  • Set in the stunning Art Nouveau basement of Galería Güemes, this historic venue was once the tallest landmark in the city.
  • Upgrade to indulge in the flavours of Argentina with a tantalising 3-course gourmet dinner with wine.

Tango meets elegance in a grand 1915 Art Nouveau theater dedicated to Piazzolla’s legacy.

  • Catch one of Buenos Aires’ best tango dinner shows, featuring iconic pieces by Astor Piazzolla and Argentine greats, under the direction of Dolores de Amo.
  • The show is an elegant blend of live vocals, dramatic choreography, and Piazzolla’s famed sextet performing Las Cuatro Estaciones del Tango (Four Seasons of Tango).
  • Set in the stunning Art Nouveau basement of Galería Güemes, this historic venue was once the tallest landmark in the city.
  • Upgrade to indulge in the flavours of Argentina with a tantalising 3-course gourmet dinner with wine.

Inclusions

  • 1 hr 15 min Piazzolla Tango show
  • 2 drinks (as per option selected)
  • Coffee or tea (as per option selected)
  • 3-course gourmet dinner with unlimited drinks - Platea or VIP (as per option selected)
  • Round-trip transfers (as per option selected)
  • Age restrictions: All ages welcome
  • Facilities: Bar, restrooms, dining
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
  • Vegetarian, vegan & gluten-free options are available on request.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Step into Galería Güemes, a dazzling Art Nouveau landmark tucked away on Florida Street in Buenos Aires. More than just a shopping arcade, this historic skyscraper houses marble staircases, stained-glass domes, vintage elevators, and a rooftop observatory with sweeping views of the city. Today, its underground theatre, the Teatro Astor Piazzolla, is home to one of the city’s most celebrated tango dinner shows. A visit to Galería Güemes blends history, architecture, and culture, making it a must-see stop whether you’re sightseeing, shopping, or enjoying a night of Argentine tango.

From 1915 to today: The legacy of Galería Güemes

Birth of a landmark (1915)

Opened in 1915, Galería Güemes became Buenos Aires’ first skyscraper, soaring 14 stories above Florida Street. At the time, it symbolized Argentina’s economic boom and the city’s ambition to rival Paris as a modern capital.

Designed by Francisco Gianotti

The Italian architect Francisco Gianotti, known for his Art Nouveau creations, combined elegance and innovation in this building. Galería Güemes introduced steel-frame construction and electric elevators, which were state-of-the-art features for its time.

A hub for culture and society

Beyond being a shopping arcade, the gallery quickly became a cultural meeting point. It housed offices, luxury apartments, cafés, and the original theatre in its basement, making it a space where commerce and art coexisted.

Home to famous residents

The gallery attracted notable figures, including Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, who wrote part of Night Flight here, and Argentine literary icon Julio Cortázar, who immortalized the building in his short stories. Their legacy adds a layer of literary mystique to the venue.

Golden years of the theatre

The Teatro Astor Piazzolla, formerly known as the theatre of Galería Güemes, hosted concerts, tango performances, and cultural soirées throughout the 20th century. It was a place where the elite gathered to experience the vibrancy of Buenos Aires nightlife.

Restoration and renewal (2010)

After decades of wear, the building underwent a major restoration in 2010, bringing back its original Belle Époque splendour. Today, it continues to function as a cultural landmark, with part shopping arcade, part theatre, and part historic observatory.

Inside the Art Nouveau masterpiece

European elegance and influences

  • The vision of Francisco Gianotti: Italian architect Francisco Gianotti designed the gallery to showcase Buenos Aires’ modern identity, securing his reputation as a leader of Art Nouveau in Argentina.
  • Art Nouveau at its finest: Sweeping curves, floral motifs, and ornate ironwork highlight the movement’s decorative artistry.
  • A blend of styles: Gothic arches and Neoclassical elements add grandeur, reflecting Buenos Aires’ cosmopolitan character in the early 20th century.
  • Stained-glass domes & natural light: Decorative domes and skylights illuminate the arcade with colored light, creating a theatrical atmosphere.
  • Marble staircases & fine details: Winding staircases, bronze railings, carved stone, and mosaic tiles capture the Belle Époque spirit.

Innovation and cultural spaces

  • Buenos Aires’ first skyscraper: At 14 stories, Galería Güemes was the city’s first true skyscraper, with steel-frame construction and reinforced concrete that were revolutionary in 1915.
  • Historic elevators: The wrought-iron cage lifts, still in use, reflect both technological innovation and Art Nouveau artistry.
  • Teatro Astor Piazzolla in the basement: The underground theatre continues the gallery’s cultural mission, with intimate cabaret-style seating that combines dinner service with stage views.

Know before you go

Getting there
Timings
Facilities & accessibility
Nearby restaurants
Nearby attractions

  • Address: Galería Güemes is located at Florida 165, Microcentro, Buenos Aires, right in the city’s bustling historic center.
  • By subway (subte): The closest station is Florida Station on Line B, just a 2–3 minute walk away. Other nearby stops include Catedral (Line D) and Perú (Line A), both under 10 minutes on foot.
  • On foot: The gallery is only 5–10 minutes from major landmarks like the Obelisco and Plaza de Mayo.
  • By taxi/rideshare: Cabs and rideshares can drop you at either entrance (Florida or San Martín Street). The San Martín entrance is less crowded and more visually appealing for a first impression.
  • Choose your entrance: The San Martín Street entrance offers the most striking view of the façade and is less congested than the Florida Street side.
  • Operational hours: Galería Güemes is open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays (Monday to Friday) and from 9am to 3pm on Saturdays. The gallery remains closed on Sundays. However, shops, restaurants, and the Piazzolla Tango theatre, as well as individual establishments within the gallery, have their own operating hours. 
  • Dinner service: Starts around 7pm, with a multi-course Argentine menu that sets the mood for the evening.
  • Piazzolla tango show: Begins at 9pm and runs for approximately 90 minutes. Performances feature live musicians, singers, and dancers interpreting Astor Piazzolla’s revolutionary tango compositions.
  • Observatorio rooftop tours: Generally available on Thursdays at 4pm, though timings may vary seasonally. Sunset visits are particularly popular, so book early if you want the view at golden hour.
  • Restrooms: Located within the theatre and arcade area, easily accessible during shows.
  • Elevators: The gallery still operates its original vintage elevators, though they may not accommodate all accessibility needs.
  • Observatory access: The rooftop is only reachable via a narrow spiral staircase, making it unsuitable for wheelchairs or visitors with reduced mobility.
  • Family-friendly: Children are welcome at the theatre, though parents should check age guidelines before booking, as late-night shows may not suit very young kids.
  • El Querandí: A historic parrilla and tango venue offering classic Argentine cuts of beef, empanadas, and Malbec wines, just a short walk from Florida Street.
  • Café Tortoni: Founded in 1858, this legendary café serves pastries, coffee, and traditional snacks. Perfect for a pre-show stop steeped in porteño history.
  • Cabaña Las Lilas: Located in Puerto Madero (10 minutes by taxi), this fine-dining steakhouse is known for its waterfront views and upscale Argentine cuisine.
  • Santos Manjares: A casual parrilla popular with locals for its grilled meats, provoleta cheese, and friendly service, about 10 minutes from the gallery.
  • Teatro Colón (10 minutes): Widely regarded as one of the finest opera houses in the world, Teatro Colón is a must-visit for music and architecture lovers. Guided tours showcase its grand interiors, while evening performances bring the space to life.
  • Obelisco & 9 de Julio Avenue (5 minutes): Just a short walk from Galería Güemes, the Obelisco stands tall at the heart of Buenos Aires’ most famous avenue. The wide boulevard, lined with theatres, shops, and cafés, is perfect for an atmospheric city stroll.
  • Plaza de Mayo & Casa Rosada (10 minutes): The historic square of Buenos Aires, Plaza de Mayo, is surrounded by key landmarks including the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Casa Rosada, Argentina’s iconic pink presidential palace. It’s a place steeped in history and political significance.
  • Palacio Barolo (15 minutes): Designed by the same architect as Galería Güemes, Palacio Barolo is a striking building inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy. Visitors can tour its unique interiors and climb to the lighthouse for panoramic city views.

Frequently asked questions about Galería Güemes in Buenos Aires

When was Galería Güemes built, and who designed it?

It was built in 1915 and designed by Italian architect Francisco Gianotti, making it Buenos Aires’ first skyscraper.

Why is Galería Güemes considered an architectural landmark in Buenos Aires?

Its blend of Art Nouveau design, stained-glass domes, and historic elevators make it one of the city’s most beautiful arcades.

Can I see the apartments where Antoine de Saint-Exupéry or Julio Cortázar once lived?

The private apartments aren’t open to the public, but guided tours share their stories and legacies.

Why visit Galería Güemes on Florida Street instead of other galleries?

Unlike standard shopping arcades, Galería Güemes combines history, architecture, a rooftop observatory, and a tango theatre, all in one venue.

How does Galería Güemes compare to Palacio Barolo?

Both were designed by Gianotti, but while Palacio Barolo is inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy, Galería Güemes is known for its Art Nouveau elegance and cultural venues.

Can I visit Galería Güemes during the day without attending a tango show?

Yes, the arcade and shops are open to the public, and observatory tickets can be purchased separately.

What are the opening hours of Galería Güemes?

Shops usually open from 9 am to 8 pm, though show and observatory times vary.

How much do Piazzolla tango show tickets at Galería Güemes cost?

Ticket prices vary depending on the package you choose. Options typically include show-only tickets or dinner-and-show experiences, with prices ranging from budget-friendly seats to premium dinner tables closer to the stage.

Do I need to book Piazzolla tango tickets in advance?

Yes, advance booking is highly recommended. The theatre’s cabaret-style seating is limited, and popular dinner packages often sell out days ahead.

What does the Piazzolla tango show ticket include: dinner, drinks, or just the performance?

Tickets can be purchased as a show-only or as a dinner-and-show package. Dinner tickets usually include a three-course Argentine menu with wine or soft drinks, while show-only tickets cover entry to the performance.

Can I choose my seating when booking Piazzolla tango tickets?

Seating is allocated by category. Dinner tables near the stage or theatre-style seats further back. Within each category, the venue staff assigns seats to ensure a clear view of the stage.

Is the rooftop observatory at Galería Güemes open every day?

No, it generally opens on select days, often Thursdays at 4pm.

Where can I buy tickets to visit the observatory of Galería Güemes?

Tickets are sold at the entrance or via guided tours; some agencies also offer online booking.

Can I skip the line to visit the rooftop observatory?

Guided tours and combo tickets sometimes allow priority access; check availability in advance.

Are guided tours available inside Galería Güemes?

Yes, local guides offer tours focused on its architecture and cultural history.

What’s the best entrance to use, Florida or San Martín Street?

Both are accessible, but the San Martín Street entrance offers the most striking façade.

How do I get to Galería Güemes from the Obelisco or Plaza de Mayo?

It’s just a 5–10 minute walk from either landmark, right in the city centre.

What shops and cafés can I find inside Galería Güemes?

You’ll find bookstores, boutiques, and cafés, blending local charm with historic surroundings.

Does Galería Güemes have accessibility features for visitors with reduced mobility?

The arcade is accessible, but the observatory is reached via stairs only.

Can I take the historic elevators inside Galería Güemes?

Yes, the vintage cage elevators are still in use and are part of the experience.

Is Galería Güemes suitable for children and families?

Yes, families are welcome, though young children may find the tango show late at night.

Is Galería Güemes safe to visit at night?

Yes, the building is safe, and Florida Street is busy, though standard city precautions apply.

Are guided night tours or cultural events held in Galería Güemes?

Yes, special events and tours are occasionally hosted; check the schedule.

What type of seating is available at the Teatro Astor Piazzolla?

The theatre offers cabaret-style dinner tables and regular seats, ensuring good stage views.

Are events other than tango shows hosted at Galería Güemes?

The theatre primarily hosts tango, though occasional concerts and cultural events are held.

Is there a dress code to enter Galería Güemes or its theatre?

Smart casual is recommended, especially for the tango dinner show.

Are photography and video allowed inside the theatre?

Photos without flash are usually permitted; check with staff before recording video.